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Original poster

Schools - I'm begining to believe they treat our kids like a financial transaction

143 replies

sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 12:36

Does anyone out there have concerns about the advice being given to their child about their future careers? Both of my children are at this crucial stage and I became uncomfortable when the more academic one was being put under pressure to go into 6th form - I spoke to some of my friends and they shared this concern with their own experiences, I've delved into this more and there is a growing pattern/concern that our children may be being given advice that is in the best interests of the school and not for the student - anyone else share my concern or had a similar experience?

OP posts:
CuckooCuckooClock · 03/02/2020 14:59

Yes I think your concerns are well founded. I have had similar concerns myself when I have heard schools pushing their own sixth forms over other sixth forms in the area. There is a conflict there sometimes.

Original poster
sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 14:56

@coconuttelegraph - so no example then?

OP posts:
coconuttelegraph · 03/02/2020 14:55

You need A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

I can't speak for all apprenticeships but I know that isn't always the case, there are ones that you can start with GCSEs and work you way up to a degree. Maybe it's a case of specifc terminology but you can end up with a degree through the apprentice route without A levels

coconuttelegraph · 03/02/2020 14:52

example please?

You're not the teacher, we didn't all have a meeting and decide your style is coming over as rude, no one has to give you examples, you can see it's a perception shared by many.

Maybe step away and accept that it wasn't a great start, you can always name change and post again asking your question in a more neutral way as others have suggested

titchy · 03/02/2020 14:52

However if there was then a good degree apprenticeship to be had I think I'd be very supportive of that.

You need A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship Wink

LouReidDododo · 03/02/2020 14:48

OP — ‘Thos is an OUTRAGE, agree with me Angry

MN — it’s not that black and white

OP — AGREE WITH MEEEEE NOW! ITS THE LAW!!!!!!!!! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

Original poster
sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 14:48

@CuckooCuckooClock - thank you - I appreciate your point and the underlying issue - but if what you're saying is true - then this means my opening concern is correct - that there may be an issue with pushing our children in the wrong direction because of a conflicting agenda?

OP posts:
TeenPlusTwenties · 03/02/2020 14:46

If I had an academic child, then, all other things being equal, I'd be recommending they did A levels as I believe they are more flexible. However if there was then a good degree apprenticeship to be had I think I'd be very supportive of that.

I'd be supportive of some other apprenticeships in place of A levels for an academic child if it was really clear what career route they were going down, and if it could lead to a degree route if desired.

ElloBrian · 03/02/2020 14:45

No, I’m not going to waste my time trying to teach you the basics of good manners. You started a thread to ask for information, several posters have told you that it’s not clear enough what you’re asking, either clarify what you want to know or thread’s over. Goodbye.

Original poster
sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 14:44

@ElloBrian example please?

OP posts:
ElloBrian · 03/02/2020 14:42

It’s not just the shouting, you are also being very passive aggressive and sniping at people. Surely you are aware that you are not sending off good vibes here?!

Wolfiefan · 03/02/2020 14:41

People generally do share experience if they feel they have something relevant to share. And also if the original poster (OP) shares first.
If your first post said I’m worried that DS (darling son) is being pushed into A levels by school. How do I find out about other local options? Does anyone know about apprenticeships?
Then you would have received very different replies.

CuckooCuckooClock · 03/02/2020 14:40

I’ll share my experience as a teacher:
Careers services in schools are patchy. When students ask me for advice it’s really hard because I have had no careers training at all.
Schools have to promote their 6th forms. Teachers jobs are dependent on student numbers. We’re not going to advise students to leave because we have to pay our mortgages and feed our children.

titchy · 03/02/2020 14:39

Qualifications are about levels, Level 3 & 4 qualifications, be they A Level or Level 3/4 Apprenticeships are at the same level - does that make sense,

Well the qualification gained via an apprenticeship may well be level 3, however that doesn't mean it's the same as 3 A levels, or that it's will be accepted by universities. Or weirdly enough as a stepping stone into a higher or degree apprenticeship....

Original poster
sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 14:38

@Wolfiefan - ohhhhhhh - never even thought of that - I think my expectations were 'off' of this site - I found it very spikey from the start but may be that I was just shouting at everyone lol!

OP posts:
Original poster
sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 14:35

If I have offended anyone today with my shouting - I apologise - this is my first time - I wasn't aware that capital letters would be deemed shouting and/or aggressive - I still can't work out the emojs - I don't know what you all mean with DD's etc, etc but I genuinely thought people would share their experiences, not tell me what I should and shouldn't do with my child - there appears to be a lot of 'rounding' on here and mutual agreement if you are not a regular - not found it welcoming - I accept responsibility for my shouting errors and that may have been a contributory factor, but some people are mean, personal and well, just unnecessary - please be patient and try and imagine me with a big L Plate on my back whilst I'm navigating my way through - it took me ages to work out why I could only see a handful of messages!

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 03/02/2020 14:34

We also have journalists trying to start a bun fight.

Jellybeansincognito · 03/02/2020 14:34

Wow you are so rude.
Literally angry about nothing.

Have a good day!

TeenPlusTwenties · 03/02/2020 14:33

We are friendly when people don't appear to be aggressive or obfuscating first. We are also aware sometimes we get people pushing/selling stuff without being open, and that also gets people's backs up.

Have a read through the threads, you'll see how helpful and supportive people are here.

OneMamma · 03/02/2020 14:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mamato2gorgeousboys · 03/02/2020 14:31

Op you’re missing the point - it’s all about how you reply. IMHO you have waaaay too much time on your hands Grin

ElloBrian · 03/02/2020 14:30

OP, do you understand that you’re being rude, or do you treat everyone like this, I wonder? If it’s the latter then you must find the world a pretty unwelcoming place ...

Original poster
sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 14:30

@TeenPlusTwenties
I wouldn't agree with the 'friendly bunch' - still can't work out those damn emojs though

OP posts:
Original poster
sammyjguru · 03/02/2020 14:28

@Mamato2gorgeousboys
When you reply in a chat forum - it isn't defensive and arguing, its responding to a chat - again, interesting that you jump on the band wagon of the consensus opinion rather than actually commenting on the spiteful behaviour of the participants

OP posts:
TeenPlusTwenties · 03/02/2020 14:27

If you're on a laptop then the words for emojis are at the bottom of the page. e.g. without spaces [ smile ] will give Smile
Don't know where they are on mobiles.

We are a friendly bunch on this board when people are open about their agendas and don't shout (whether on purpose or accidental).

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